Systems and methods to hold and charge a personal electronic device on a ride vehicle

ABSTRACT

Present systems and methods are directed to a ride system that includes a personal electronic device (PED) holding system for a ride vehicle. The PED holding system includes a lock that is configured to move from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration to lock a PED of a passenger of the ride vehicle to the ride vehicle during a ride cycle. The PED holding system also includes a charging system that is configured to charge an energy storage component of the PED during the ride cycle.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to amusement parks.

Many amusement parks include rides in which a ride vehicle carries oneor more passengers along a ride path. The ride vehicle may change speedand/or direction as the ride vehicle travels along the ride path. Theride path may include a number of features, such as tunnels, turns,loops, and so forth. Various show effects on the ride vehicle and/or inan environment surrounding the ride vehicle may be provided to enhancethe experience for the one or more passengers.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects ofart that may be related to various aspects of the present techniques,which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed tobe helpful in providing the reader with background information tofacilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statementsare to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimedsubject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intendedto limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather theseembodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of possibleforms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may encompass avariety of forms that may be similar to or different from theembodiments set forth below.

In accordance with one embodiment, a ride system includes a personalelectronic device (PED) holding system for a ride vehicle. The PEDholding system includes a lock that is configured to move from anunlocked configuration to a locked configuration to lock a PED of apassenger of the ride vehicle to the ride vehicle during a ride cycle.The PED holding system also includes a charging system that isconfigured to charge an energy storage component of the PED during theride cycle.

In accordance with one embodiment, a PED holding system for a ridevehicle includes a container that is configured to contain a PED of apassenger of the ride vehicle during a ride cycle. The container enablesthe passenger to access a camera function of the PED during the ridecycle. The PED holding system also includes a charging system that isconfigured to charge an energy storage component of the PED while thePED is contained within the container during the ride cycle.

In accordance with one embodiment, a method of operating a PED holdingsystem includes charging an energy storage component of a PED using acharging system of the PED holding system in response to the PED beinglocked to the ride vehicle via a lock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ride system that may be used in anamusement park, in accordance an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a personal electronic device(PED) holding system that may be used in the ride system of FIG. 1,wherein the PED holding system includes a charging system, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a PED holding system that may be used in theride system of FIG. 1, wherein the PED holding system includes a tieassembly configured to couple a PED of a passenger to a cable of acharging system, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a PED holding system that may be used inthe ride system of FIG. 1, wherein the PED holding system includes anopening to enable a passenger to view and/or access features of the PED,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a PED holding system that may be used in theride system of FIG. 1, wherein the PED holding system includes anadjustable arm, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the ride system of FIG. 1 having a ridecontrol system that enables communication between a PED of a passengerand other components of the ride system, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of using a PED holding system inthe ride system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed below. In an effort to provide a concise description of theseembodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not bedescribed in the specification. It should be appreciated that in thedevelopment of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering ordesign project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madeto achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance withsystem-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from oneimplementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that sucha development effort might be complex and time consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, andmanufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean thatthere are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.Additionally, it should be understood that references to “oneembodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are notintended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additionalembodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

The systems and methods disclosed herein relate generally to a personalelectronic device (PED) holding system for a ride system within anamusement park. The ride system may include any type of attraction orexperience that is designed to entertain a passenger, such as anattraction that includes a ride vehicle that travels along a path, anattraction that includes a ride vehicle that moves without travelingalong a path, an attraction that includes a room or theatre withstationary or moving seats for passengers to sit in while the passengerswatch a video, or the like. The PED holding system may include featuresthat hold (e.g., contain, secure) a PED of a passenger of the ridevehicle during a ride cycle (e.g., during at least a portion of the ridecycle; between loading and unloading). The PED holding system may alsoinclude features that charge an energy storage component (e.g., battery)of the PED during the ride cycle. Additionally or alternatively, the PEDholding system may include features that enable the passenger to accesscertain features, such as a camera, of the PED during the ride cycle.Additionally or alternatively, the PED holding system may facilitatecommunication between the PED and other components of the ride system.In some such cases, the passenger may be able to use the PED to controlshow effects, such as light effects on the ride vehicle or in anenvironment surrounding the ride vehicle during the ride cycle, forexample. Thus, present embodiments advantageously hold the PED duringthe ride cycle (e.g., block the PED from falling off of the ridevehicle) and may also enable the passenger to charge the PED during theride cycle and/or to use the PED to customize their experience on theride vehicle.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ride system 10 that may be used in anamusement park. The ride system 10 may include a ride vehicle 12, whichmay travel along a ride path 14 (e.g., track). The ride vehicle 12 maypass one or more show effects 16 (e.g., show elements, such as lights oranimated figures) as the ride vehicle 12 travels along the ride path 14.The ride vehicle 12 may include one or more seats 18 and/or one or morepassenger restraints 20 (e.g., lap bars, seat belts) that are arrangedto hold one or more passengers on the ride vehicle 12.

The ride vehicle 12 may also include one or more PED holding devices 22(e.g., containers, compartments, enclosures, recesses, cables, ties)that may be part of a PED holding system 24. For example, as shown, onePED holding device 22 may be provided for each seat 18. In theillustrated embodiment, the PED holding devices 22 for the seats 18 in afront row of the seats 18 are positioned in or on a front dashboard ofthe ride vehicle 12, while the PED holding devices 22 for the seats 18in other rows of the seats 18 are positioned in or on the seats 18(e.g., a rear surface of the seats 18) in an adjacent row of the seats18. However, it should be appreciated that the PED holding devices 22may be positioned at any suitable location on the ride vehicle 12 (e.g.,in or on the seats 18, in or on the passenger restraints 20, in or on abottom surface or floor of the ride vehicle 12, in or on a side surfaceof the ride vehicle 12, in or on an interior-facing surface or anexterior-facing surface of the ride vehicle 12).

It should also be appreciated that more than one ride vehicle 12 maytravel along the ride path 14. Additionally, it should be appreciatedthat the ride vehicle 12 may not travel along the ride path 14, butinstead, the ride vehicle 12 may be stationary or may move (e.g., tip,spin, raise, lower) without traversing the ride path 14 (e.g., withoutmoving forward or rearward along the ride path 14). Furthermore, theride vehicle 12 may have any suitable number of seats 18 (e.g., 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 10, 15, 20, or more seats) arranged in any suitable configuration.

The PED holding device 22 may have any of a variety of forms that enablethe PED holding device 22 to hold the PED of the passenger. FIGS. 2-5depict various embodiments of the PED holding device 22 to facilitatediscussion; however, these embodiments are not intended to be limitingand features of the illustrated embodiments may be combined in any of avariety of ways. With this in mind, FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectionalside view of an embodiment of the PED holding device 22 that is part ofthe PED holding system 24. As shown, the PED holding device 22 includesa container 30 defined by a plurality of walls 32. The container 30 maybe coupled to the ride vehicle 12 (e.g., to a frame or surface 34 of theride vehicle 12 via one or more fasteners 36, such as bolts or welds) orthe container 30 may be integrally formed with the surface 34 of theride vehicle 12 (e.g., one-piece construction). The container 30 mayextend outwardly from the surface 34 of the ride vehicle 12, as shown,or the container 30 may be recessed so that the container 30 ispartially or fully recessed relative to the surface 34 of the ridevehicle 12. For example, the container 30 may merely be a recess oropening formed in the surface 34 of the ride vehicle 12 that is sized toreceive a PED 40 from the passenger.

The PED 40 may be a device that is carried with the passenger onto theride vehicle 12 and off of the ride vehicle 12. In some cases, the PED40 is a device that the passenger brings into the amusement park,carries about the amusement park to different ride attractions, and/ortakes home from the amusement park. The PED 40 may be owned by thepassenger or otherwise under the control (e.g., rented or borrowed for aperiod of time) of the passenger. The PED 40 may be a mobile phone, atablet, a watch, a camera, a laptop computer, an e-reader, an MP3player, a toy, a rechargeable battery, or any other portable electronicand/or chargeable device.

The container 30 may be associated with at least one charging system,such as a wired charging system 42 and/or a wireless charging system 44,which is configured to charge the PED 40 while the PED 40 is within thecontainer 30. For example, in operation, the passenger may place the PED40 within the container 30 and then manually move a cable 46 of thewired charging system 42 to couple a connector (e.g., male connector) atone end of the cable 46 to a corresponding connector (e.g., femaleconnector) of the PED 40 to enable the wired charging system 42 tocharge an energy storage component (e.g., battery) of the PED 40 (e.g.,using power from a power source 48). It should be appreciated thatinstead of the cable 46, the wired charging system 42 may include adocking station with a connector that is in a fixed position relative tothe container 30. In such cases, the passenger may place the PED 40relative to the docking station to couple the connector to thecorresponding connector of the PED 40 to enable the wired chargingsystem 42 to charge the energy storage component of the PED 40. Thecable 46 may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, although the wiredcharging system 42 may include any other suitable type of cable orconnector that is configured to charge the PED 40 upon physicalconnection to or engagement with the corresponding connector of the PED40. In embodiments having the wireless charging system 44, the wirelesscharging system 44 may include a transmitter that is positionedproximate to or within the container 30, and the transmitter mayinteract with a receiver of the PED 40 to charge the PED 40 via anysuitable wireless charging technique, such as an inductive chargingtechnique and/or a radio-frequency charging technique.

In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 12 may be stationary, move slowlyin place, or slowly traverse the ride path 14. In some such cases, theconfiguration of the container 30 and/or the connection between the PED40 and the cable 46 may be sufficient to maintain the PED 40 within thecontainer 30 and to hold the PED 40 on the ride vehicle 12 during theride cycle. In some such cases, the PED 40 may remain generallystationary within the container 30 or otherwise remain in a positionwithin the container 30 that enables the wireless charging system 44 tocharge the PED 40 during the ride cycle.

However, it may be desirable to further secure the PED 40 within thecontainer 30. For example, a cover 52 (e.g., lid, brace, net, strap) maybe positioned over the PED 40 during the ride cycle. The cover 52 mayhave any of a variety of configurations. In the illustrated embodiment,the cover 52 includes a hinged lid that pivots relative to a base 53 ofthe container 30 from an open configuration (e.g., open position; opencondition) to a closed configuration (e.g., closed position; closedcondition), as shown by arrow 54, to enclose the PED 40 within thecontainer 30. The cover 52 may be adjusted to the closed configurationmanually by the passenger and/or by an operator, or the cover 52 may beadjusted to the closed configuration via an actuator that iselectronically controlled by an electronic controller (e.g., prior tothe ride cycle). The cover 52 may include a rigid element 56 (e.g., hardplastic or metal) and/or a compressible element 58 (e.g., foam). Therigid element 56 may protect the PED 40 within the container 30 andprovide support to the compressible element 58. When the cover 52 is inthe closed configuration, the compressible element 58 may contact andcompress against the PED 40 to block movement of the PED 40, therebyfacilitating charging of the PED 40 and/or blocking relative movementbetween the PED 40 and the ride vehicle 12 during the ride cycle. Thus,the container 30 may protect the PED 40, such as by blocking relativemovement between the PED 40 and the ride vehicle 12 and/or bysurrounding the PED 40 with the plurality of walls 32 (e.g., byisolating the PED 40 from the environment surrounding the ride vehicle12). In some embodiments, the container 30 may be waterproof (e.g., thecontainer 30 may block entry of water into an interior of the container30). The container 30 may accommodate different size PEDs 40 and/or maybe adjustable to accommodate different size PEDs 40 (e.g., the walls 32may be adjustable).

In some embodiments, the PED holding device 22 may include a lock 60.The lock 60 may have any of a variety of configurations and generallymove between an unlocked configuration (e.g., unlocked position;unlocked condition) to enable access to the PED 40 held by the PEDholding device 22 and a locked configuration (e.g., locked position;locked condition) to block access to the PED 40 held by the PED holdingdevice 22. As discussed in more detail below, the lock 60 may be in thelocked configuration during the ride cycle. In the illustratedembodiment, the lock 60 is configured to lock the cover 52 to the base53 of the container 30, and the lock 60 includes two locking elements64, 66 that engage one another to hold the cover 52 in the closedconfiguration. The locking elements 64, 66 may be any suitable type oflocking mechanism (e.g., magnetic lock; mechanical fastener, such as alatch; electronically-activated lock).

In some embodiments, the lock 60 may be manually adjusted by thepassenger and/or the operator at any time before, during, and after theride cycle to enable access to the PED 40 at any time, including duringthe ride cycle. However, in other embodiments, the lock 60 may be anelectronically-activated lock that is maintained in the lockedconfiguration during the ride cycle, thereby blocking the passenger fromaccessing the PED 40 held by the container 30 during the ride cycle. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, while the lock 60 is in thelocked configuration, the passenger cannot open the container 30 andcannot remove the PED 40 from the container 30.

If the lock 60 is electronically-activated, the lock 60 may be part of alock system 68 (e.g., radio-frequency identification [RFID] lock system)that includes a receiver 70 that receives an activation signal and adeactivation signal from a transceiver (e.g., on the ride vehicle 12 orin an environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12). In operation, uponreceipt of the activation signal at the receiver 70 (e.g., prior to theride cycle), the lock 60 may transition from the unlocked configurationto the locked configuration. The lock 60 may be held or maintained inthe locked configuration until receipt of the deactivation signal at thereceiver. Then, upon receipt of the deactivation signal at the receiver70 (e.g., after the ride cycle), the lock 60 may transition from thelocked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

In some embodiments, the charging system(s) 42, 44 and the lock system68 may work together to incentivize the passenger to lock the PED 40within the container 30, thereby reducing incidents in which the PED 40falls off of the ride vehicle 12. For example, the charging system(s)42, 44 may only charge the energy storage device of the PED 40 while thelock 60 is in the locked configuration. In such cases, the lockingsystem 68 may provide feedback indicative of the configuration of thelock 60 (e.g., via a sensor 72 that detects whether the lock 60 is inthe locked configuration or the unlocked configuration) to an electroniccontroller (e.g., having a processor and a memory) associated with thePED holding system 24. Upon receipt of feedback that indicates that thelock 60 is in the locked configuration, the electronic controller mayinstruct delivery of power from the power source 48 through the chargingsystem(s) 42, 44 to charge the energy storage component of the PED 40.Other variations of this technique are envisioned. For example, inembodiments that are devoid of the lock 60, the charging system(s) 42,44 may only charge the energy storage device of the PED 40 while thecover 52 is in the closed configuration (e.g., as detected by a sensor)and/or while the PED 40 is detected (e.g., as detected by a sensor) asbeing positioned fully and/or properly within the container 30. Thus, apassenger who connects the PED 40 to the cable 46 of the wired chargingsystem 42, but who continues to hold and/or manipulate the PED 40 in anunintended manner during the ride cycle, will not enjoy the benefit ofhaving their PED 40 charged during the ride cycle. As discussed in moredetail below, additionally or alternatively, the access to and/orfunctionality of various other features (e.g., camera and/or audiofeatures of the PED 40; camera and/or audio features in the environmentsurrounding the ride vehicle 12) may be based on the configuration ofthe cover 52 and/or the position of the PED 40 within the container 30.Thus, the PED holding system 24 may incentivize the passenger to lockthe PED 40 within the container 30 in any of a variety of ways.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the PED holding system 24that may be used in the ride vehicle 12. As shown, the PED holdingsystem 24 includes the PED holding device 22 having a tie assembly 80(e.g., strap, net, tether) configured to couple the PED 40 to the cable46 of the wired charging system 42. As noted above, in some cases, theconfiguration of the container 30 and/or the connection between the PED40 and the cable 46 may be sufficient to hold the PED 40 on the ridevehicle 12 during the ride cycle. However, it may be desirable to haveanother connection between the PED 40 and the cable 46 via the tieassembly 80 (e.g., in addition to the connection between the connectorof the cable 46 and the corresponding connector of the PED 40) tofacilitate charging and/or to further secure the PED 40 to the ridevehicle 12 during the ride cycle.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tie assembly 80 includes a cableportion 82 that is coupled to and contacts the cable 46 (and/or theconnector at the end of the cable 46), and two PED portions 84 thatextend from the cable portion 82 to wrap around the PED 40. The cableportion 82 may be relatively rigid, while the PED portions 84 may berelatively flexible (e.g., compared to the cable portion 82). The PEDportions 84 may each include a first end coupled to the cable portion 82and a second end coupled to the cable portion 82 (or to the first end ofthe respective PED portion 84). For example, the first end may be fixedor rigidly secured to the cable portion 82, while the second end may beremovably coupled to the cable portion 82 via a fastener 86 (e.g., asnap, a buckle, a hook-and-loop interface). In operation, the passengermay manually move the cable 46 to connect the connector of the cable 46to the corresponding connector of the PED 40. The passenger may thenwrap the PED portions 84 around the PED 40 and couple the respectivesecond end of each of the PED portions 84 to the cable portion 82. Thepassenger may adjust (e.g., tighten) the PED portions 84 so that thecable portion 82 and the PED portions 84 generally drive the cable 46and the PED 40 toward one another to facilitate charging the PED 40during the ride cycle and/or to secure the PED 40 to the ride vehicle12, even during portions of the ride cycle in which the ride vehicle 12moves quickly, turns, flips, or the like. The PED portions 84 maytherefore also accommodate different size PEDs 40 (e.g., one passengermay use the tie assembly 80 to hold their PED 40 having a first size,and another passenger may use the tie assembly 80 to hold their PED 40having a second size that is different than the first size). In someembodiments, the fasteners 86 may be and/or may operate as the locks 60of FIG. 2, and thus, may be electronically-activated to block separationof the PED 40 from the cable 46 and from the ride vehicle 12 during theride cycle. In such cases, the wired charging system 42 and the locks 60may work together so that the wired charging system 42 only charges theenergy storage device of the PED 40 while the locks 60 are in the lockedconfiguration. Furthermore, the tie assembly 80 may be positionedrelative to the PED 40 to enable the passenger to view at least someportion of the PED 40 (e.g., a display screen) and/or to access at leastsome features of the PED 40 (e.g., camera features and/or audio featuresof the PED 40) during the ride cycle.

The tie assembly 80 may have any of a variety of configurations, but maygenerally be coupled to and contact both the cable 46 and the PED 40.For example, the tie assembly 80 may include any number of cableportions 82 and PED portions 84. In some embodiments, the tie assembly80 may be a net that extends from the cable 46 to wrap around the PED 40to block movement of the cable 46 relative to the PED 40. It should beappreciated that the tie assembly 80 may also include elastic portions(e.g., the PED portions 84) that may be stretched to wrap around the PED40 to block relative movement between the cable 46 and the PED 40. Itshould also be appreciated that the tie assembly 80 may be used inconjunction with a container, such as the container 30 of FIG. 2. Forexample, the container 30 may hold the PED 40, and the tie assembly 80may be used to enhance the connection between the cable 46 and the PED40. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the tie assembly 80 maybe configured to couple a component of the wireless charging system 44(FIG. 2) to the PED 40, such as by wrapping around the component and thePED 40.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the PED holding system24 that may be used in the ride vehicle 12. As shown, the PED holdingdevice 22 includes the container 30, which includes an opening 88 thatenables the passenger to view at least a portion of the PED 40 (e.g., adisplay screen) and/or to access at least some features of the PED 40(e.g., camera features and/or audio features of the PED 40). In someembodiments, the opening 88 may be an open space between the walls 32 ofthe container 30, and the opening 88 may enable the passenger to touchthe PED 40 while the PED 40 is within the container 30. However, in someembodiments, the opening 88 may be a window (e.g., transparentcomponent), which may be positioned between the walls 32 (e.g. opaquewalls) of the container 30 to overlay the PED 40 while the PED 40 iswithin the container 30. In such cases, the passenger may not be able totouch the PED 40 while the PED 40 is within the container 30, but thepassenger may still be able to view at least a portion of the PED 40and/or access at least some features of the PED 40 via the opening 88(e.g., a lens of a camera of the PED 40 may be able to obtain imagesthrough the opening 88). It should also be appreciated that the opening88 may have any of a variety of configurations, including any of avariety of sizes and locations.

The walls 32 of the container 30 may extend outwardly from the surface34 of the ride vehicle 12 (e.g., toward the passenger) and/or may bendinwardly (e.g., toward one another). Accordingly, the PED 40 may beblocked from moving laterally (e.g., side-to-side) relative to thecontainer 30 and longitudinally (e.g., forward-and-back) relative to thecontainer 30 by the walls 32. The PED 40 may also be supported by andrest on one of the walls 32 that forms a bottom of the container 30, asshown. In some embodiments, the container 30 may be associated with atleast one charging system, such as the wired charging system 42 and/orthe wireless charging system 44 (FIG. 2), that is configured to chargethe PED 40 while the PED 40 is within the container 30. The container 30may accommodate different size PEDs 40 and/or may be adjustable toaccommodate different size PEDs 40 (e.g., the walls 32 may beadjustable).

In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 12 may be stationary, move slowlyin place, or slowly traverse the ride path 14. In some such cases, theconfiguration of the container 30 and/or the connection between the PED40 and the cable 46 may be sufficient to maintain the PED 40 within thecontainer 30 and to hold the PED 40 on the ride vehicle 12 during theride cycle. In some such cases, the PED 40 may remain generallystationary within the container 30 or otherwise remain in a positionwithin the container 30 that enables the wireless charging system 44 tocharge the PED 40 during the ride cycle.

However, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to further secure thePED 40 within the container 30 using the cover 52, for example. Similarto the cover 52 of FIG. 2, the cover 52 of FIG. 4 includes a hinged lidthat pivots relative to the base 53 of the container 30 from the openconfiguration to the closed configuration, as shown by the arrow 54, toenclose the PED 40 within the container 30. The cover 52 may be adjustedto the closed configuration manually by the passenger and/or by theoperator, or the cover 52 may be adjusted to the closed configurationvia the actuator that is electronically controlled by the electroniccontroller (e.g., prior to the ride cycle). The cover 52 may include therigid element 56 and/or the compressible element 58. When the cover 52is in the closed configuration, the compressible element 58 may contactand compress against the PED 40 to block vertical movement (e.g.,up-and-down) of the PED 40 relative to the container 30, therebyfacilitating charging of the PED 40 and/or further securing the PED 40to the ride vehicle 12. Blocking movement of the PED 40 relative to thecontainer 30 (and therefore, relative to the ride vehicle 12) may alsofacilitate viewing images (including streaming video) on the screen ofthe PED 40 and/or use of certain features of the PED 40 (e.g., thecamera of the PED 40).

It should be appreciated that the container 30 may include additionalcompressible elements that contact and compress against other surfacesof the PED 40 to assist in blocking vertical, lateral, and/orlongitudinal movement of the PED 40 relative to the container 30. Thecontainer 30 may also include the lock 60 of FIG. 2, and the lock 60 maybe electronically-activated to block separation of the cover 52 from thebase 53 and to block separation of the PED 40 from the cable 46 and fromthe ride vehicle 12 during the ride cycle. In such cases, the chargingsystem(s) 42, 44 and the lock 60 may work together so that the chargingsystem(s) 42, 44 only charge the energy storage device of the PED 40while the lock 60 is in the locked configuration.

In operation, the passenger may position the PED 40 within the container30, such as by lowering the PED 40 into the container 30 in thedirection of arrow 89. The passenger (or the operator) may manuallycouple the connector of the cable 46 to the corresponding connector ofthe PED 40 or may otherwise couple the PED 40 to the wired chargingsystem 42 or the wireless charging system 44 (FIG. 2). The passenger (orthe operator) may close the cover 52 and may lock the cover 52 to thebase 53 of the container 30 via the lock 60. However, in someembodiments, the cover 52 may be adjusted to the closed configurationand/or the lock 60 may be adjusted to the locked configuration viainstructions from the electronic controller. The cover 52 and the lock60 may remain in these configurations during the ride cycle.

Even while the PED 40 is held and/or locked within the container 30, thepassenger may view at least a portion of the PED 40 and/or may access atleast some features of the PED 40 via the opening 88. For example, thepassenger may view the screen of the PED 40 so that the passenger canview pop-up notifications (e.g., text messages or social mediamessages), view images displayed on the display screen (e.g., imagesobtained by the camera of the PED 40), view information related to anaudio track that is currently playing (e.g., via speakers of the PED40), and/or any other information that might be desirable to display onthe screen of the PED 40. The passenger may be able to touch the PED 40to interact with the PED 40, such as to type and send text messages, tooperate the camera of the PED 40, to select an audio track to playduring the ride cycle, and/or to carry out any of a variety of otheroperations using the PED 40. For example, the passenger may operate thecamera of the PED 40 to take photos and/or to record video of themselvesas the ride vehicle 12 travels along the ride path 14. The photos and/orthe video may be stored locally on the PED 40 and/or the video may bestreamed (e.g., livestreamed) via a network (e.g., cellular or otherwireless network), for example.

In some embodiments, certain features of the PED 40 and/or uses of thePED 40 (e.g., camera features and/or audio features) may only beavailable to the passenger while the lock 60 is in the lockedconfiguration. For example, the passenger may be incentivized to run asoftware application on the PED 40 during the ride cycle (e.g., due tovarious features of the software application, such as features thatenable the passenger to play a game during the ride cycle or to viewotherwise unavailable information or media on the screen of the PED 40during the ride cycle), and the application may only enable use of thecamera of the PED 40 and/or access to audio tracks while the lock 60 isin the locked configuration. In some cases, the software application mayonly make certain of its features (e.g., game features, media) availableon the PED 40 while the lock 60 is in the locked configuration. Thefeatures of the PED 40 (e.g., camera features and/or audio features) mayactivate automatically while the lock 60 is in the locked configuration(e.g., without passenger input). For example, the software applicationon the PED 40 may enable the PED 40 to take photos and/or record videoautomatically (e.g., during the ride cycle and/or at certain parts ofthe ride cycle) while the lock 60 is in the locked configuration.

It may be desirable for the PED holding device 22 to be adjustable toenable multiple different viewing directions for the camera function ofthe PED 40. Accordingly, FIG. 5 is a front view of an embodiment of thePED holding system 24 that may be used in the ride system of FIG. 1,wherein the PED holding device 22 is adjustable to enable the multipledifferent viewing directions for the camera function of the PED 40. ThePED holding device 22 may have any of a variety of configurations, butmay include the container 30 similar to the container 30 of FIG. 4 andthat is mounted on an adjustable arm 90 (e.g., rotatable arm, flexiblearm, telescoping arm). The container 30 may accommodate different sizePEDs 40 and/or may be adjustable to accommodate different size PEDs 40.The adjustable arm 90 may be mounted to or supported on the surface 34of the ride vehicle 12. The adjustable arm 90 may have any number ofdegrees of freedom to change the camera position and/or angle relativeto the ride vehicle 12, but in some embodiments, the adjustable arm 90may at least rotate, as shown by arrows 92. The adjustable arm 90 mayadditionally or alternatively move vertically, as shown by arrows 94.The adjustable arm 90 may additionally or alternatively movelongitudinally (e.g., front-to-back; toward and away from the passenger)and/or laterally (e.g., side-to-side). Such movements may enable thecamera of the PED 40 to capture images of the passenger, adjacentpassengers, and/or the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12. Forexample, the passenger may desire to orient the PED 40 to capture images(e.g., video images) forward of the ride vehicle 12 as the ride vehicle12 climbs up a hill of the ride path 14, and the passenger may desire toorient the PED 40 to capture images of the passenger as the ride vehicle12 drops down the hill of the ride path 14.

In some embodiments, the passenger may manually adjust the adjustablearm 90 by contacting and exerting a force on the adjustable arm 90.Additionally or alternatively, the passenger may adjust the adjustablearm 90 using an input device 100 (e.g., touchscreen, control pad,joystick) of the ride vehicle 12. As discussed in more detail below, thePED 40 may be communicatively coupled to the ride vehicle 12 and/or theride system 10 (e.g., via the wired charging system 42, the wirelesscharging system 44, or some other suitable wired or wirelesscommunication system). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the passengermay adjust the adjustable arm 90 using the PED 40. For example, thepassenger may view a virtual control pad 102 on the screen of the PED40, and touching the virtual control pad 102 may cause movement of theadjustable arm 90.

In some embodiments, the movement of the adjustable arm 90 may bepre-programmed prior to the ride cycle. For example, the adjustable arm90 may be configured to move between a first position to orient the PED40 (e.g., at a first camera position and/or angle) to capture imagesforward of the ride vehicle 12 during some portions of the ride cycleand to orient the PED 40 (e.g., a second camera position and/or angle)to capture images of the passenger during other portions of the ridecycle. In this way, the PED holding system 24 facilitates generation ofmore interesting and entertaining images without any input from thepassenger during the ride cycle (e.g., without the passenger touchingthe PED 40 during the ride cycle). Thus, the images may also be ofbetter quality, as the images may not show the passenger moving theirhands to touch the PED 40 or to adjust the adjustable arm 90. Themovement of the adjustable arm 90 may be pre-programmed, such that theadjustable arm 90 moves in the same way during each ride cycle, ormultiple different sequences of movement may be pre-programmed such thatthe adjustable arm 90 moves in different ways during different ridecycles. Thus, the passenger may obtain different images each time thepassenger experiences the ride. In some embodiments, the passenger maybe able to select one of multiple different sequences of movement orotherwise provide inputs related to preferences for the movement of theadjustable arm 90 prior to the ride (e.g., via the PED 40 at any timeprior to the ride), at a kiosk prior to or in the queue for the ride,and/or via the input device 100 of the ride vehicle 12. For example, thepassenger may provide an input to limit movement of the adjustable arm90 so that the camera of the PED 40 does not obtain images of seats toone side of the passenger (e.g., other passengers who are not travelingwith the passenger) and/or to cause movement of the adjustable arm 90 sothat the camera of the PED 40 obtains images of seats to the other sideof the passenger (e.g., other passengers who are traveling with thepassenger).

It should be appreciated that the container 30 of FIG. 5 may be usedwith the cover 52 and/or the lock 60. In some such cases, the chargingsystem(s) 42, 44 and the lock 60 may work together so that the chargingsystem(s) 42, 44 only charges the energy storage device of the PED 40while the lock 60 is in the locked configuration. Furthermore, certainfeatures of the PED 40 and/or uses of the PED 40 may only be availableto the passenger while the lock 60 is in the locked configuration.Additionally or alternatively, the adjustable arm 90 may only be movablewhile the lock 60 is in the locked configuration.

The PED holding device 22 may also enable the passenger to access thePED 40 to select and/or to play an audio track during the ride cycle.The audio track may be played via a speaker of the PED 40. As discussedin more detail below, the PED 40 may be communicatively coupled to theride vehicle 12 and/or the ride system 10 (e.g., via the wired chargingsystem 42, the wireless charging system 44, or some other suitable wiredor wireless communication system). Accordingly, in some embodiments, theaudio track selected by the passenger using the PED 40 may be played viaa speaker 104 of the ride vehicle 12 and/or via a speaker in theenvironment surrounding the ride vehicle 12. Furthermore, the audiotrack may be selected from audio tracks stored in a storage device ofthe PED 40, from audio tracks stored in a remote storage device and thatcan be streamed via a wireless network, and/or from audio tracks storedin a ride storage device of the ride system 10 (e.g., on the ridevehicle 12). Due to the communication between the PED 40 and the ridesystem 10, the audio tracks stored in the ride storage device may bedisplayed on the screen of the PED 40. In this way, the passenger maycustomize their experience during the ride on the ride vehicle 12. Insome embodiments, certain audio features (e.g., the ability to viewaudio tracks stored in a ride storage device of the ride system 10and/or the ability to play audio tracks selected via the PED 40 on thespeaker 104 of the ride vehicle and/or a speaker in the environmentsurrounding the ride vehicle 12) may only be available to the passengerwhile the lock 60 is in the locked configuration.

As noted above, the PED 40 may communicate with the ride system 10. Insome cases, the PED holding system 24 may facilitate thesecommunications between the PED 40 and the ride system 10 (e.g., via thewired charging system 42 or the wireless charging system 44) and/or mayposition the PED 40 to facilitate use of the PED 40 by the passengerduring the ride cycle. With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 6 is a schematicdiagram of the ride system 10 having a ride control system 110 thatenables communication between the PED 40 of the passenger and othercomponents of the ride system 10.

As shown, the PED holding device 22 holds the PED 40 on the ride vehicle12. The PED 40 may be communicatively coupled (e.g., via the wiredcharging system 42, the wireless charging system 44, or via some otherwired or wireless communication system) to a ride vehicle controller 112(e.g., electronic controller) that is located on the ride vehicle 12.The ride vehicle 12 may additionally or alternatively include the inputdevice 100, the speaker 104, and/or a display screen 114 (e.g.,touchscreen). In some embodiments, some or all of these components onthe ride vehicle 12 may mirror the PED 40 or effectively replace/act ascomponents of the PED 40 during the ride cycle. For example, the displayscreen 114 may be positioned adjacent to or on the container 30 (e.g.,on the cover 52 of the container 30). In response to the lock 60 beingin the locked configuration or at some other time, the display screen114 may mirror the screen of the PED 40 so that the display screen 114appears to be the screen of the PED 40. Alternatively, icons, images(e.g., stored on the PED 40), audio tracks (e.g., stored on the PED 40),and the like that might otherwise be displayed on the screen of the PED40 may be displayed on the display screen 114. The passenger may theninteract with the display screen 114 during the ride cycle, such as toselect audio tracks to be played via the speaker 104 or to carry out anyof the other techniques disclosed herein, for example. Advantageously,this may make the passenger feel like he or she is interacting withtheir own PED 40 and may provide an interface that is comfortable orfamiliar to the passenger.

It should be appreciated that the ride vehicle controller 112 may carryout the various disclosed operations that are based on the configurationof the lock 60 (e.g., upon receipt of the feedback from the sensor 72[FIG. 1], the ride vehicle controller 112 may instruct delivery of powerfrom the power source 48 [FIG. 1] to charge the energy storage componentof the PED 40). The ride vehicle controller 112 may also communicate(e.g., via a wireless network 116) with a ride environment controller118 (e.g., electronic controller) that is configured to control variousshow effects 120 (e.g., show elements, such as lighting or animatedfigures; the one or more show effects 16 of FIG. 1) in the environmentsurrounding the ride vehicle 12 as the ride vehicle travels along theride path 14. The ride environment controller 118 may also be configuredto instruct display of information (e.g., images) on a ride displayscreen 122 and/or playback of audio via a ride speaker 124. The ridedisplay screen 122 and/or the ride speaker 124 may be located in theenvironment surrounding the ride vehicle 12. For example, the ridedisplay screen 122 may be located near an end of the ride path 14 or atan exit of the attraction (e.g., by the exit door) or in an operationsroom designated for use by the operator of the ride. As another example,the ride speaker 124 may be located in one section of the ride 12 alongthe ride path 14.

In operation, the PED 40 may work together with the components of theride system 10 to enhance the passenger's experience. For example, thePED holding system 24 may enable the passenger to operate the camera ofthe PED 40 as the ride vehicle 12 travels along the ride path 14 or mayenable the camera of the PED 40 to otherwise capture images as the ridevehicle 12 travels along the ride path 14. The passenger may view theimages obtained by the camera of the PED 40 on the screen of the PED 40,on the display screen 114 of the ride vehicle 12, on the ride displayscreen 122, and/or on any other screens that are communicatively coupledto the ride system 10. For example, the PED 40 may capture an image ofthe passenger as the ride vehicle 12 drops down a hill of the ride path14, and the image may be displayed on the display screen 114 of the ridevehicle 12 and/or on the ride display screen 122 at the exit of the rideto enable the passenger to view the image on a larger display screen(e.g., the ride display screen 122 versus the screen of the PED 40). Insome embodiments, the PED 40 may capture an image of one of the showeffects 120, and the image may be displayed on the ride display screen122 in the operations room to enable the operator to see the show effect120 (e.g., to see whether the show effect 120 is working properly orimproperly).

In some embodiments, the PED holding system 24 may enable the passengerto interact with the PED 40 to select audio tracks for playback as theride vehicle 12 travels along the ride path 14. The audio track may beplayed via the speaker of the PED 40, the speaker 104 of the ridevehicle 12, and/or via the ride speaker 124. Furthermore, the audiotrack may be selected from audio tracks stored in a storage device ofthe PED 40, from audio tracks stored in a remote storage device off ofthe ride vehicle 12 and that can be streamed via a wireless network(e.g., the network 116), and/or from audio tracks stored in a ridestorage device on the ride vehicle 12. For example, due to thecommunication between the PED 40 and the ride system 10, the audiotracks stored in the ride storage device may be displayed on the screenof the PED 40 for selection by the passenger.

Various other functions may be enabled via the communication between thePED 40 and the ride system 10. For example, the PED holding system 24may include the adjustable arm 90, and in such cases, the passenger maycontrol the movement of the adjustable arm 90 via inputs at the PED 40,the input device 100, and/or the display screen 114, for example.Furthermore, the PED 40 may be used to display any information that istypically displayed on the display screen 114. Thus, in some cases, thePED 40 may function as the display screen 114 of the ride vehicle 12(e.g., instead of the display screen 114) or may function as a duplicatedisplay screen so that the passenger can view the information on boththe screen of the PED 40 and the display screen 114 of the ride vehicle12. The various displays and screens can be configured based on theuser's preferences and/or available devices. For example, one passengermay not have a PED 40 and may view the information on the display screen114 of the ride vehicle 12, another passenger may view the informationon the display screen 114 that mirrors the screen of the PED 40, anotherpassenger may view the information only on the screen of the PED 40,while another passenger may view the information on both the screen ofthe PED 40 and the display screen 114 of the ride vehicle 12.

The PED holding system 24 may also enable the passenger to interact withother features of the ride system 10 and/or to control the show effects120 during the ride cycle (e.g., as the ride vehicle 12 travels alongthe ride path 14). For example, a software application on the PED 40 mayenable the passenger to play a game (e.g., answer trivia questions)relevant to the ride system 10 during the ride cycle to enhance theexperience. As another example, upon initiation of communication betweenthe PED 40 and the ride environment controller 118 (e.g., via the ridevehicle controller 112 and/or via the network 116), a softwareapplication on the PED 40 may enable the passenger to provide inputs viathe PED 40 to control the show effects 120. The passenger may provide aninput to illuminate lights along the ride path 14, to activate ananimated figure, or to otherwise alter the environment surrounding theride vehicle 12 during the ride cycle (e.g., water effects, smokeeffects, move walls). It should be appreciated that the ride system 10may also enable the passenger to control effects on the ride vehicle 12(e.g., lights on the ride vehicle 12), to control movements of the ridevehicle 12 (e.g., steering, speed), and/or to otherwise affect otheraspects of the ride experience via inputs at the PED 40.

Due to communication between the PED 40 and the ride system 10, the ridesystem 10 may gather information about the passenger that may enable theride system 10 to enhance the experience for the passenger. For example,the ride system 10 may obtain information about the passenger'spreferred language from the PED 40 (e.g., from the settings on the PED40), and the ride system 10 may then provide communication (e.g., texton the screen of the PED 40, the display screen 114, or the ride displayscreen 122) in the passenger's preferred language. It should beappreciated that the communication between the PED 40 and the ridesystem 10 and/or the associated functionality (e.g., selection of anaudio track on the PED 40 to be played via the ride speaker 124, controlof the show effects 120 using the PED 40), may only be available whilethe lock 60 is in the locked configuration.

As shown, the ride vehicle controller 112 may include a memory device130 and a processor 132 that enable the ride vehicle controller 112 tocontrol (e.g., via control signals) components of the ride vehicle 12,including the adjustable arm 90 of the PED holding system 24. The rideenvironment controller 118 may include a memory device 134 and aprocessor 136 that enable the ride environment controller 118 to control(e.g., via control signals) the show effects 120 and other components ofthe ride system 10. The ride vehicle controller 112 may include acommunication component 138 and the ride environment controller 118 mayalso include a communication component 140. The communication components138, 140 enable communication between the ride vehicle controller 112and the ride environment controller 118 via the network 116. Thecommunication components 138, 140 may additionally or alternativelyenable communication with the PED 40 via the network 116 (e.g., the PED40 may communicate wirelessly with the ride vehicle controller 112and/or the ride environment controller 118). For example, the passengermay provide an input to instruct activation of one of the show effects120 via the PED 40, and the input may be communicated wirelessly fromthe PED 40 to the ride environment controller 118 via the network 116.

One or more ride vehicle cameras 142 may be provided on the ride vehicle12 (e.g., travel with the ride vehicle 12) and/or one or more ridecameras 144 may be provided in the environment surrounding the ridevehicle 12. Images obtained by the ride vehicle cameras 142 and/or theride cameras 144 may be communicated to the PED 40 (e.g. via the wiredcharging system 42, the wireless charging system 44, or some othersuitable wired or wireless communication system) and may be displayed onthe screen of the PED 40. In some cases, certain functions associatedthe ride vehicle cameras 142 and/or the ride cameras 144 may be madeavailable to the passenger in response to the PED 40 being locked withinthe container 30. For example, the ride vehicle cameras 142 and/or theride cameras 144 may only obtain images of the passenger as thepassenger experiences the ride while the PED 40 is locked within thecontainer 30 and/or any images obtained by the ride vehicle cameras 142and/or the ride cameras 144 may only be provided to the passenger (e.g.,provided to the PED 40 for display on the PED 40) while the PED 40 islocked within the container 30. Other similar techniques to incentivizethe passenger to lock the PED 40 within the container 30 are envisioned.For example, the passenger may be able to purchase or download anyimages obtained by the ride vehicle cameras 142 and/or the ride cameras144 at a discount if the PED 40 was locked within the container 30during the ride cycle.

The memory devices 130, 134 may include one or more tangible,non-transitory, computer-readable media that store instructionsexecutable by the processors 132, 136 and/or data (e.g., thresholds) tobe processed by the processors 132, 136. For example, the memory devices130, 134 may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),rewritable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, hard drives,optical discs, and/or the like. Additionally, the processors 132, 136may include one or more general purpose microprocessors, one or moreapplication specific processors (ASICs), one or more field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs), or any combination thereof. Further, the memorydevices 130, 134 may store instructions executable by the processors132, 136 to perform the methods and control actions described herein forthe ride system 10.

It should be appreciated that the ride control system 110 illustrated inFIG. 6 is merely exemplary and that various other configurations may beutilized to carry out the techniques disclosed herein. Furthermore, thevarious functions described herein may be divided between the ridevehicle controller 112, the ride environment controller 118, and/or oneor more other processing devices (e.g., a processor of the PED 40) inany suitable manner. Additionally, it should be appreciated that thevarious features and elements shown and described with reference toFIGS. 1-6 may be combined or exchanged with one another.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method 150 of using the PED holding system24 in the ride system 10. The method 150 disclosed herein includesvarious steps represented by blocks. It should be noted that at leastsome steps of the method 150 may be performed as an automated procedureby a system, such as the ride system 10. Although the flow chartillustrates the steps in a certain sequence, it should be understoodthat the steps may be performed in any suitable order and certain stepsmay be carried out simultaneously, where appropriate. Additionally,steps may be added to or omitted from the method 150. Further, certainsteps or portions of the method 150 may be performed by separatedevices. For example, a first portion of a method 150 may be performedby the processor 132 of the ride vehicle controller 112, while a secondportion of the method 150 may be performed by the processor 136 of theride environment controller 118.

In step 152, the method 150 may begin with the PED holding system 24receiving or mating with the PED 40. For example, the passenger mayplace the PED 40 within the container 30 and/or may couple the PED 40 tothe wired charging system 42. In step 154, the lock 60 of the PEDholding system 24 may be adjusted from the unlocked configuration to thelocked configuration to block access to the PED 40 and/or to block thePED 40 from separating from the ride vehicle 12 during the ride cycle.In step 156, the charging system(s) 42, 44 of the PED holding system 24may charge an energy storage component of the PED 40. In someembodiments, the charging system(s) 42, 44 may charge the energy storagecomponent of the PED 40 in response to the lock 60 being in the lockedconfiguration.

In step 158, the camera of the PED 40 may be used to obtain imagesduring the ride cycle. In some embodiments, the camera may be accessibleto the passenger and/or operable in response to the lock 60 being in thelocked configuration. In step 160, the PED 40 may be used to selectand/or play an audio track during the ride cycle. In some embodiments,the selection and/or play functionality may be made available inresponse to the lock 60 being in the locked configuration. In step 162,the PED 40 may be used to control features of the ride vehicle 12 (e.g.,the adjustable arm 90, movement of the ride vehicle 12) and/or featuresin the environment surrounding the ride vehicle 12 (e.g., the showeffects 120). In some embodiments, the PED 40 may be made operable tocontrol such features in response to the lock 60 being in the lockedconfiguration.

While only certain features of present embodiments have been illustratedand described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to thoseskilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appendedclaims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit of the disclosure.

The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and appliedto material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature thatdemonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are notabstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claimsappended to the end of this specification contain one or more elementsdesignated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for[perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements areto be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claimscontaining elements designated in any other manner, it is intended thatsuch elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

The invention claimed is:
 1. A ride system, comprising: a personalelectronic device (PED) holding system for a ride vehicle, wherein thePED holding system comprises: a lock that is configured to move from anunlocked configuration to a locked configuration to lock a PED of apassenger of the ride vehicle to the ride vehicle during a ride cycle;and a charging system that is configured to charge an energy storagecomponent of the PED during the ride cycle, wherein the PED holdingsystem is configured to enable features of a software application on thePED in response to the PED being locked to the ride vehicle via thelock.
 2. The ride system of claim 1, wherein the PED holding systemcomprises a container that is configured to contain the PED during theride cycle.
 3. The ride system of claim 2, wherein the PED holdingsystem comprises a compressible material that is configured to contactthe PED and to block movement of the PED relative to the container whilethe PED is contained within the container.
 4. The ride system of claim1, wherein the charging system is configured to charge the energystorage component of the PED in response to the PED being locked to theride vehicle via the lock.
 5. The ride system of claim 1, wherein thecharging system comprises a wired charging system comprising a cablehaving a connector that is configured to connect to a correspondingconnector of the PED.
 6. The ride system of claim 1, wherein thecharging system comprises a wireless charging system that is configuredto wirelessly charge the energy storage component of the PED.
 7. Theride system of claim 1, wherein the PED holding system comprises anadjustable arm that is configured to move to adjust a position of thePED relative to a frame of the ride vehicle during the ride cycle, andan electronic controller that is configured to control the adjustablearm to move to adjust the position of the PED relative to the frame ofthe ride vehicle during the ride cycle.
 8. The ride system of claim 1,wherein the PED holding system is configured to enable use of a cameraof the PED during the ride cycle.
 9. The ride system of claim 1, whereinthe PED holding system comprises an opening to enable the passenger toview a display screen of the PED while the PED is locked to the ridevehicle via the lock.
 10. The ride system of claim 1, comprising acamera on the ride vehicle or in an environment surrounding the ridevehicle, wherein a function associated with the camera is made availableto the passenger in response to the PED being locked to the ride vehiclevia the lock.
 11. The ride system of claim 1, comprising a ride vehicledisplay screen on the ride vehicle, wherein the ride vehicle displayscreen is configured to mirror a display screen of the PED while the PEDis locked to the ride vehicle via the lock.
 12. The ride system of claim1, comprising a ride control system that is configured tocommunicatively couple to the PED, wherein the ride control system isconfigured to enable an input from the passenger at the PED to affect ashow effect in an environment surrounding the ride vehicle during theride cycle.
 13. The ride system of claim 12, wherein the ride controlsystem is configured to enable the input from the passenger at the PEDto affect the show effect in response to the PED being locked to theride vehicle via the lock.
 14. A personal electronic device (PED)holding system for a ride vehicle, wherein the PED holding systemcomprises: a container that is configured to contain a PED of apassenger of the ride vehicle during a ride cycle, wherein the containerenables a ride controller of the ride vehicle to interface with a cameraof the PED during the ride cycle; a charging system that is configuredto charge an energy storage component of the PED while the PED iscontained within the container during the ride cycle; and a lock that isconfigured to move from an unlocked configuration to a lockedconfiguration to lock the PED within the container, wherein the PEDholding system is configured to enable features of a softwareapplication in response to the PED being locked within the container viathe lock.
 15. The PED holding system of claim 14, wherein the chargingsystem is configured to charge the energy storage component of the PEDin response to the PED being locked within the container via the lock.16. The PED holding system of claim 14, comprising an adjustable armcoupled to the container, wherein the adjustable arm is configured tomove to adjust a position of the container and the PED relative to aframe of the ride vehicle during the ride cycle.
 17. A method ofoperating a personal electronic device (PED) holding system during aride cycle, wherein the method comprises: charging an energy storagecomponent of a PED during the ride cycle using a charging system of thePED holding system in response to the PED being locked to a ride vehiclevia a lock of the PED holding system; and enabling features of asoftware application on the PED in response to the PED being locked tothe ride vehicle via the lock.
 18. The method of claim 17, comprisingenabling access to a camera of the PED during the ride cycle in responseto the PED being locked to the ride vehicle via the lock.
 19. The methodof claim 17, comprising receiving an input via the PED and controlling afeature of the ride vehicle based on the input or controlling a featureof a show effect in an environment surrounding the ride vehicle based onthe input, using an electronic controller.